Let’s have a look at the prestigious history of the Ford Transit through time when it celebrates its 50th birthday
In the motoring history, the UK has had its fair share and in that, the biggest chunk, unquestionably, goes to none other than Ford Transit. Who would have thought that a simple van – which left the production line on 9 August 1965 – would become a legend one day?
Over a span of glorious 50 years, the range has expanded so much that it now encompasses four models, powered by some of the most efficient diesel engines of this time, and over eight million Transits have found their new home worldwide.
Birth of famous name
This was the birth of this famous name, but they didn’t want to launch the Transit as of yet, they had to wait for the Ford Corsair to hit the market. The reason was that both of them – Transit and Corsair – were having the same engine and Ford wanted to give the impression that Transit is having the engine same as Corsair rather than the Corsair having the engine of Transit.
At last, the Transit made it to the road and priced at £540, this worked out pretty well for Ford and Transit immediately became a huge success. Just in 1965, Ford produced around 100,000 vehicles and they all started giving huge competition.
Brian said: “At the start I was surprised by its success, but when the orders came in you could see it was taking off. Even in Germany sales rocketed and the biggest competitor sales suddenly dropped off.”
Transit continued to boom
As the time passed, Transit continued to boom and evolve. With each facelift, the van changed and became more and more popular, soon joined by a long-wheelbase version. It happened after a request by Ford boss was made for a longer load bed.
Another incident that led to the LWB was the funeral of French was General Charles de Gaulle, he was so tall that his coffin couldn’t fit in.
Transit was used for what?
The size of Transit played a vital role in its success, soon it was the only van which was transporting people, their possessions, food, catering and all kind of things.
Even it was used by the bank robber and other criminals who needed and quick and large vehicle for themselves.
Use of white colour
The white colour was used to keep the drivers cool when the air conditioner was not available.